Supplemental oxygen may be prescribed if your body can’t get enough oxygen on its own.

Long-term home oxygen use has been shown to improve and extend the lives of those affected by lung disease. It can decrease other health complications and when used as prescribed, it is also shown to decrease hospital admittance and duration of stay.

Other ways to manage breathlessness

One of the best ways to manage shortness of breath is to slow down. Take your time doing your everyday activities and rest if you need to. You can also practice pursed-lips breathing by breathing in deeply and quickly through your and out slowly through your mouth keeping your lips pursed. Enrolling in pulmonary rehab can also help.

In addition to oxygen therapy, a pulmonary rehabilitation program provides education and exercises to improve your breathing.

Pulmonary rehab provides advice and support so you can live better with your lung or heart condition.